Chapter 307
Jonathan frowned. "Mr. Whitmore left with Evelyn, who seemed intoxicated. Mom, why would you deliberately switch her drinks?"
"Jonathan, think strategically. If you drank on Evelyn's behalf and ended up tipsy, it could create the perfect chance for her to care for you."
"Now picture thisโEvelyn drinks a little too much, and you, being the gentleman, escort her home to ensure her safety."
"Wouldnโt that spark something between you two? A few drinks, a little vulnerabilityโbefore you know it, feelings blossom. Itโs foolproof," Judith explained.
She saw this as Jonathanโs golden opportunity, convinced he was being too naive about romance.
After considering her perspective, Jonathan sighed. "Mom, Iโve told you repeatedlyโdonโt interfere."
"Mr. Whitmore wasnโt happy about Evelyn getting drunk, and Iโm sure Iโve left a terrible impression."
He had viewed tonightโs dinner with Nathaniel as a crucial chance to make a good impression, something that could help him win Evelynโs heart.
But Judithโs meddling had ruined everything.
Realizing the severity, Judith spoke urgently. "Jonathan, what do we do? Maybe I should talk to Mr. Whitmore myself and clarify."
"Iโll take full responsibilityโsay it was my mistake. A man of his status wouldnโt make a scene with a middle-aged woman like me."
"Hard to say. Letโs wait until Evelyn sobers up tomorrow. Iโll explain everything to her. Donโt worryโsheโs not the type to hold grudges. If sheโs fine with it, there wonโt be any real consequences."
"Thatโs a relief. I know youโll win her over eventually. With your charm, no woman can resist you for long."
Jonathan smirked, confident in his ability to sway women. Evelyn would be hisโit was only a matter of time.
"Speaking of which, tell me more about Mr. Whitmore. He seems incredibly wealthy."
"Mom, Mr. Whitmore owns a publicly traded company. His family is very well-off. Why do you ask?"
Jonathan chose not to reveal Nathanielโs true identity as the heir to the Whitmore fortune. The last thing he needed was Judith scheming again and ruining his plans.
Besides, a man of Nathanielโs status likely preferred discretion.
"Jonathan, your cousin Natalie just returned from studying abroad. Sheโs single. Introducing her to Mr. Whitmore could elevate our familyโs standing, donโt you think?"
"Mom, letโs discuss this later. Mr. Whitmore might not be interested."
"But Natalie is cultured, well-traveledโhow could she not be a perfect match?" Judith insisted.
Jonathan nearly groaned. Nathaniel had once been engaged to Victoria Sinclair of the prestigious Sinclair familyโand even that engagement fell through.
There was no way someone like Natalie could compare.
Pulling out his phone, Jonathan sent Evelyn a message: Evelyn, Iโm so sorry. My mother accidentally served you hard liquor, causing you to get drunk.
He wanted to explain beforehand so his apology tomorrow wouldnโt seem insincere.
Evelynโs phone buzzed, but she ignored it.
She was currently playing the role of a drunk womanโchecking her phone would ruin the act.
Still, she worried. What if it was her family? If Julian found her like this, sheโd be in serious trouble.
Leaning against the car seat, Evelyn felt lightheaded despite being fully aware.
Thankfully, she had forced herself to vomit the whiskey earlier in the restaurant restroom. Otherwise, sheโd be far worse off.
Slumped in her seat, she wondered where Nathaniel was taking her.
He probably didnโt even know her current address.
A knot of unease tightened in her stomach.
Beside her, Nathaniel studied her intoxicated state, rubbing his temples as if unsure what to do next.